Live From Philadelphia

R.J. Johnson reports on the month's best live shows from the City of Brotherly Love


March 2013: Billy Hart Quartet

By RJ JOHNSON April 5, 2013

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Billy Hart Quartet Philadelphia Art Alliance Philadelphia, PA March 20, 2013 The music of the Billy Hart Quartet demonstrates a thorough amalgamation of intriguingly disparate musical elements which retains both the mastery of a group of accomplished veterans and the perpetually transformative nature of a leader dedicated to a lifetime of artistic pursuits. ...

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February 2013: Chris Potter Quartet

By RJ JOHNSON March 14, 2013

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Chris Potter Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA February 22, 2013 Although no longer considered the essential destination for working jazz groups that it once was, Philadelphia is still visited by high-level talent from New York that occasionally ventures south to perform in the city's one consistent jazz venue. Despite the current lack ...

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January 2013: Larry McKenna Quartet

By RJ JOHNSON February 7, 2013

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Larry McKenna Quartet January 17, 2012 Arch Street Meeting House Philadelphia, PA The Philadelphia jazz scene is well known for its reverence of jazz tradition. Compared to the constantly shifting modern scene of New York City, and the experimental projects produced by the current European scene, Philadelphia musicians are often seen as ...

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November 2012: Three Blind Mice

By RJ JOHNSON December 27, 2012

Three Blind Mice November 29, 2012 Time Philadelphia, PA Although the classic organ trio format has been popular within the jazz tradition since the hard-bop era, it has not always been known for creating adventurous new material. Organ trios are instead known for their soulful grooves, straight-ahead readings of jazz standards, and an ...

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October 2012: Fresh Cut from the Vine, Re: Trio

By RJ JOHNSON November 22, 2012

Philly Jazz: Fresh Cut From the Vine Painted Bride Art Center Philadelphia, PA October 20, 2012 Philadelphia is a city filled with abundant talent and artistic potential, especially when it comes to the city's vibrant music scene. However, Philadelphia-based musicians often find themselves faced with a lack of opportunities to showcase their original ...

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September 2012: Exuberance

By RJ JOHNSON October 13, 2012

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Exuberance Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA September 12, 2012 Amongst the diverse array of working jazz groups encompassing the Philadelphia jazz scene, Exuberance--a band which performs a book of entirely original music--has emerged as a popular interest amongst musicians and non-musicians alike. By combining thoughtful writing with an intricate yet engaging style ...

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August 2012: Brian Betz Quartet, Featuring Denis DiBlasio

By RJ JOHNSON September 16, 2012

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Brian Betz Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA August 31, 2012 Guitarist Brian Betz led his quartet through a set of standards at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia. In a set comprised entirely of standards, the band used its divergent musical personalities to uncover new ground within a familiar framework. The set ...

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July 2012: Mike Cemprola Quintet

By RJ JOHNSON August 17, 2012

Mike Cemprola Quintet Jose Pistola's Philadelphia, PA July 30, 2012 For his debut as a leader, alto saxophonist Mike Cemprola led a quintet comprised of some of Philadelphia's most in-demand musicians and up-and-coming sidemen for his show at Jose Pistola's on July 30. The band's unique lineup allowed each tune to shift in ...

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June 2012: Gunshow

By RJ JOHNSON July 15, 2012

Gunshow Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA June 20, 2012 Gunshow, a band which has been performing somewhat regularly in the Philadelphia area for a few years, with a repertoire comprised largely of original compositions, performed two sets at Chris' Jazz Café in Center City, Philadelphia. The band's draw in the Philadelphia area can ...

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May 2012: Tony Miceli / Craig Ebner Quartet

By RJ JOHNSON June 21, 2012

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Tony Miceli/Craig Ebner Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA May 25, 2012 Philadelphia-based vibraphonist Tony Miceli and guitarist Craig Ebner led their quartet through two sets dedicated to the music of the Red Norvo Trio. Norvo's renowned trio included guitarist Tal Farlow and bassist Charles Mingus--both relative unknowns during their time in ...

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March-April 2012: Dan Hanrahan, Matthew Shipp, Danilo Perez, Aerial Photograph

By RJ JOHNSON May 10, 2012

Dan Hanrahan Trio Moonstone Arts Center February 22, 2012 The Moonstone Arts Center, one of Philadelphia's more successful outlets for jazz music, has been growing in popularity amongst local musicians as a venue geared towards supporting original music. Dan Hanrahan, a guitarist well versed in jazz tradition, led his organ trio through a set ...

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February 2012: Terell Stafford Quintet: The Music of Lee Morgan

By RJ JOHNSON March 28, 2012

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Terell Stafford Quintet Perelman Theater, The Kimmel Center February 25, 2012

Philadelphia native, trumpeter Terell Stafford led his quintet through two sets of original arrangements dedicated to legendary trumpeter Lee Morgan in the Perelman Theater, located inside Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. The performance was part of the Kimmel Center's 2011-2012 “Jazz Up Close" Series, which ...

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January 2012: Craig Ebner, Ravi Coltrane, Lucas Brown and Norman David

By RJ JOHNSON February 17, 2012

Craig Ebner Quartet Moonstone Arts Center January 13, 2012 Craig Ebner, a Philadelphia based guitarist best known for his work with organist Joey DeFrancesco, led his quartet through a brief yet powerful set at the Moonstone Arts Center in Center City Philadelphia. Now in its third year, the Moonstone Arts Center operates out of ...

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Birthday for Dreambox Media; Rebirth of Ortlieb's

By EDWARD ZUCKER March 19, 2007

On March 8, 2007, Philadelphia's jazz community witnessed a celebration and a reopening.

Dreambox Media at Chris' Jazz Cafe

On this night, the Dreambox Media label celebrated their 20th anniversary at Chris' Jazz Café, with a CD release party for The Birdhouse Project, the label's 100th release.

Featured on the release are Randy Sutin on vibes, ...

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